MEITEI - SEN’NYŪ

1. Ichi-no-yu
2. Ni-no-yu
3. San-no-yu
4. Yon-no-yu
5. Oyu
6. Go-no-yu

The 47th output from experimental imprint Kitchen Label is a fascinating release in the form of 'Sen’nyū' by Meitei, a multi-disciplinary artist from Hiroshima, Japan. Best known for his Lost Japan (Shitshu-nihon) works, which looks to soundtrack traditional eras / practices, he took residency in Beppu, a city known for its hot springs and onsen culture. Here, he was invited to produce ambient music to commemorate their 100th anniversary.

Recordings were taken over two weeks, with Meitei residing in a century-old inn, Yamada Bessou and during this time, would record in a host of sacred sites in the area; Takegawara Onsen, Bouzu Jigoku, Hebin-yu, and the private baths of inn itself.

The field recordings captured the atmospheric sounds that epitomise Japan's onsen culture and geothermal psychogeography; bubbling springs, hisses of steam and hushed whispers, to name but a few.

As part of the project, Meitei conceived a two-day public sound installation inside Takegawara Onsen, culminating in a live performance. Bathers soaked in mineral-rich waters while submerged in sound, an embodied ritual of place, body, and listening.

A deeply atmospheric, emotive piece and one of the best representations of environmental music in recent times.

If you like this, why not check out other releases within our ambient music or experimental music categories.